Novitiate (noun)

1. The period of time during which a person is a novice, especially in a religious order.
2. The state or condition of being a novice, especially in a religious order.

Origin:

Middle english novitiat, from latin novitiātus, from novus "new" + -tiātus, a suffix indicating a state or condition, formed in the 14th century.

Examples:

1. The novitiate was a time of spiritual growth and training.
2. The novitiate was a difficult, but rewarding, experience.
3. The novitiate was a prerequisite for full membership in the order.
4. The novitiate period was two years long.
5. The novitiate was a test of faith and determination.